Which machine is best for exhaling? Autoset?

[chadinark]

I got a CPAP several years ago and could never get into it due to problems exhaling. And dont say "it takes some getting used to" b/c I tried for quite a while! I've decided to go back to my sleep dr. and ask for a reevaluation and hopefully a better machine. What do I need to ask for? I'm looking at these newer models... I see all these new features, etc. What about this Autoset feature? That machine seems to have all the latest bells and whistles... Or just a normal BiPAP? Any suggestions are appreciated!!

Thanks
Chad

[wantmoresleep2]

I had that problem until the respiratory therapist (Person who brings/sets up the equipment) set the auto-titrate. It starts out slowly at a lower setting when you go to sleep and then slowly over a set period of time (usually 30 to 45 minutes) titrates or increases the pressure to the setting your sleep doctor has prescribed. You might also inquire about a different mask. I've tried several and noticed this issue with some more than others. I now use nasal CPAP pillows and do not have this problem at all. Just ask your respiratory therapist or sleep doctor - tell them what you are going through. They should work with you to get it right. That's what they are there for. Good luck. Hang in there. It's definitely worth it.

[LSAT]

What you want is a machine with EPR...Exhale pressure relief. All the manufacturers have it available on their newer machines. What 'want more sleep' recommends is important but will not help your exhale problem.

[Madalot]

I got a CPAP several years ago and could never get into it due to problems exhaling. And dont say "it takes some getting used to" b/c I tried for quite a while!
Thanks
Chad

Oh, I'd never say that! A cpap with the exhale relief would be a good place to start, but there are people that this is just not enough and have to go to bipap.

Getting the right equipment can be very time consuming and what works well for one person may not work at all for the next.

Have you had a sleep study done?

[Komodo]

I got a CPAP several years ago and could never get into it due to problems exhaling.

If exhaling against pressure is your only problem, I'd suggest trying a bi-level machine where you can set the exhalation pressure to your choice. I have the Vpap Auto 25, and my inhalation pressure is 22cm (max) and exhalation pressure is 14cm.

Before switching to Vpap, I was on straight Cpap, and while the exhalation pressure (16cm) wasn't really a "problem" it was starting to be. When I switched over, I noticed a HUGE difference for the better! It now feels like a more natural breathing where I'm not "fighting" to exhale.

[unadog]

BiPap or VPAP. An older, used machine will work well. It is much more pleasant to breath out against the lower exhalaion pressure than CFlex or EPR.

My exhalation pressure is around 8.0 on BiPap, inhalation is 14.0. You don't list your pressure, but you could try setting your CPAP 3.0 to 6.0 lower than usual and see what it is like on exhalation.